The victim’s counsel, Tope Temokun, said his client was assaulted and harassed on March 11, 2013, at Okitipupa when he tried to gather evidence in an assault matter against his own client, Joseph Omoranmowo.

Temokun said Omoranmowo was unlawfully detained and allegedly assaulted by Capt Ndubuisi and Habila of the Naquora Barracks, Okitipupa Local Government Area.

The lawyer said Omoyele invited a photographer to take photos of Omoranmowo.

Temokun added that he (Omoyele) was forcibly taken to the barracks, detained and beaten up for daring to obtain evidence against the military officers.

He argued that the military officers violated and breached his client’s right to dignity and personal liberty.

But Army counsel Yemi Akinseye-George contended that the Army set up a panel to investigate the incident.

He argued that since the chief of Army staff and the commandant of the 19 Battallion did not authorise or consent to the acts of the fourth and fifth respondents, they could not be liable.

Justice I.M Sani said it was wrong for the military to assume the role of the police when they were meant to take care of the territorial borders of the country and protect the citizens from internal terrorism.

The court berated the officers for the condemnable act, saying soldiers had no power under the law to beat and detain the citizens they ought to protect.

It ordered the Army to pay the applicant N10 million as exemplary damages for the violations of his rights and order of injunction.

The court also restrained the officers and the Army from further harassment of the applicant.